Hi,

I used to play tenor sax about 16 years ago and have decided to take up the cello (at 44!).

My question is the classic: what comes first? do I buy a cello (perhaps the wrong one) before I have a lesson or do I book a lesson and take advice?

My main dilema being the fact that I would like to teach myself as far as I am able, to start with then get the odd lesson.

My sole aim is to play in my local orchestra (at last no more swing bands! ).

I do not wish to spend too much, but on the other hand I need an instrument that will help me progress as far as I am able. My budget may stretch to £500 ish.

Any ideas please?

Hi

I'm not a cello player and know nothing about cellos but this company make really great value instruments http://www.elidatrading.co.uk/gliga.htm for most levels. My teacher uses their lower priced violins for her pupils and they're great.

As I was an adult starter on the violin I think it's a good idea to get a teacher to start you off - at least that way you'll be in the correct position etc. A teacher could advise on buying or hiring a cello to get you started too.

I played on my own for a few months and despite my father, who used to play very well, giving me some pointers my teacher still had to iron out a few errors of position etc when I started lessons. (Lessons are really worth the money )

Good luck and welcome back to music!

deffinately have a lesson first, or atleast get the teacher to come with you when you buy it.

Rent, teacher, buy? That's what everyone told me when I first walked into a music store about to buy a violin with no prior knowledge or expereience lol. And I do think this is good especially because cellos are $$$ instruments even with the 'cheapest' one.

Yes, I think renting initially is a good idea. It takes a little while to decide what sort of cello you like in terms of tone. Everyone has different tastes. I'm impressed with your choice of instrument!!!! Hope you really enjoy playing the cello. I can't emphasise too much though, take as many lessons as you can.

A lot of music shops do a "rent to buy" arrangement, so at least you don't feel like you're wasting your money when you rent.

Off to check my bid on Ebay - for a new cello, of course!

Cool Hannah, there are so many on ebay I would probably end up buying a dud!

Thanks for all of your posts. Most helpful.